Authorities seized P35.4 million worth of allegedly smuggled onions and garlic in Nueva Ecija in an operation hailed as a major blow against agricultural smuggling.
The operation was carried out by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) as part of efforts to enforce the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
The seizure involved illegally imported agricultural products, including onions and garlic, which officials said undermine local farmers and threaten the country’s food security.
The successful operation was described as a warning to smugglers and those behind illegal agricultural trade that authorities will not tolerate activities that damage the agriculture sector.
Officials said the confiscation should not be the end of the case, stressing that those behind the shipment must be identified, investigated, and charged.
They also called on authorities to determine how the smuggled products entered the country and whether any government personnel allowed or ignored the illegal activity.
The incident renewed calls for stronger action against smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and other forms of economic sabotage that distort market prices and hurt farmers.
Authorities were urged to speed up the filing of cases against those responsible and dismantle the networks behind the illegal importation.
Officials said the government’s efforts to support the agriculture sector would be weakened if smuggling continues unchecked.